 |
It's mock draft time, and boy, do we love studying mock drafts. Not because we believe they are relevant in any way - unless of course their picks match our own thoughts on who we should pick!
Some mocks you glance at and immediately start shaking your head in utter disbelief. Others you hold up and proclaim to be 32 commandments - like Moses with his two stone tablets on Mount Sinai.
Mostly though, they are mainly fun because they focus attention on players or positions that we can sit around and endlessly talk about. Because that's what we do, especially in the offseason with nine weeks still to go to draft weekend.
We already highlighted Mel Kiper's latest mock on Wednesday, and followed it up with Wes Bunting's newest offering on Thursday. And as we look through the remaining mocks published this week, the choices for the Cowboys have been narrowed to either a corner or an interior offensive lineman. Things could very well look different after the combine, but that's where we stand today.
After the break, we look at some of the latest mocks out there and who they have going to the Cowboys.
Drafttek, 2/15/2012: Peter Konz, OC Wisconsin
This is not as big a shake-up as it may seem, as the Cowboys simply flip-flopped positions for the 1st and 2nd rounds from last week's CMD. Even though we do not include trades in the main simulation, this assumes a small trade down for Dallas in the 1st; although if questions regarding Konz's durability are resolved, this may be appropriate value. Next to left tackle, center is the most important position on the OL. The Cowboys depth chart has starter Phil Costa (2nd year UDFA) and Kevin Kowalski (rookie UDFA): this "less than dynamic" duo were overpowered at the point of attack in 2011, leading to Tony Romo demonstrating his Houdini skills and HC Jason Garrett calling a large percentage of outside running plays. Konz may be the only "sure-fire" center prospect in the 2011 draft class and is also highly rated as an OG, which increases the value of the pick over a prospect that can only play one position. A 3-year starter for the Badgers, he should be a Day One starter for Dallas.
NEpatriotsdraft.com, 2/13/2012: David DeCastro, OL, Stanford
DeCastro is a Logan Mankins-esque blocker with few true weaknesses in his game. He is brutally strong, mobile, smart, and fills a huge need. Is probably a Top-10 talent, but the guard position is often undervalued.
DraftSeason.com, 2/15/2012: David DeCastro G, Stanford
Jerry Jones took an offensive tackle in round 1 for the first time, and liked the results so much he opts for a guard in round 1 this year.
Draft King, 2/13/2012: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
DeCastro is a very strong interior offensive line prospect, one of the best to come down the pike in years. This might actually represent a value pick for Dallas if you believe some scouts and analysts who see DeCastro as a top ten talent for the 2012 Draft. Leonard Davis, who made a nice transition from offensive tackle with the Cardinals to offensive guard with the Cowboys (becoming a three-time All-Pro during his stint in Dallas), was a cap casualty in 2011.
Real GM Sports, 2/17/2012: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama.
He has some character flags, but Jerry Jones knowingly overlooked similar drug and domestic violence issues with Michael Irvin and Nate Newton, among others. Bottom line--Jenkins has the talent to be a legit #1 shutdown corner, and Jones knows his team needs one of those very badly. I would not rule out the Cowboys in the RGIII derby.
Matt De Lima, FFToolbox, 2/16/2012: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Kirkpatrick almost makes too much sense for Dallas. A tall corner who can excel as a press man coverage with the size to matchup against Hakeem Nicks and just enough speed to keep up with Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson.
Rob Warner, FFToolbox, 2/15/2012: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Dallas missed out in the Nnamdi sweepstakes and will look to upgrade a subpar pass defense via the draft. Kirkpatrick is a physical defender who also has good speed. At 6-foot-3, 192 pounds, the Bama CB has the size and leaping ability to play against NFL WRs. He recorded 53 tackles with three interceptions and seven pass break ups in 2010.
Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft overview (min. two rounds deep)
| Site | Date | 1st Round | 2nd Round | 3rd Round | 4th Round | 5th Round | 6th Round |
| Draft Tek | 2/15 | Peter Konz, OC, Wicsonsin | Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska | Jonathan Massaquoi, OLB, Troy | Matt Conrath, DE, Virginia | Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma | Kevin Koger, TE, Michigan |
| Walter Football | 2/15 | Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama | Ronell Lewis DE/OLB, Oklahoma |
Tank Carder, ILB, TCU | Ben Jones, OC, Georgia | ||
| Mocking the Draft.com Live Draft* | 2/17 | Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama | Alameda Ta'amu, NT, Washington | Brandon Brooks, OG, Miami (Ohio) | Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt | David Molk, C, Michigan | Malik Jackson, DE, Tennessee |
| NFL Draft Blitz.com | 2/17 | David DeCastro, OG, Stanford |
Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina | Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State | Trenton Robinson, S, Michigan State | William Vlachos, OC, Alabama | Nate Potter, OT, Boise State |
* Cowboys representative was CaliCowboysFan92
0 recs | 137 comments
No Potheads
Ending up with a Quincy Carter or Kareem Larrimore ain’t worth the risk.
Mighty Blue Star - February 19, 2012
LOL @ no potheads
. . . but I agree completely. You just take a chance at this high a level; this is why DeCastro is so appealing. Just like the Cowboy first from last year, you take a quality can’t miss starter at a position of most critical need. Seems like a no brainer. Newman proved how fickle CB selections can be at the top of the draft; Newman underperformed his spot, if you ask me. Dallas needs to keep pouring resources at the oline until the unit is fixed and deep. Last year was a great start and I love the yugglies, but, Dallas needs DeCastro and an elite free agent center.
Iowacowboy - February 19, 2012
Problem is
if DeCastro is as good ad everyone says he will not fall to 14—someone will take Tim ahead of us (bad teams usually have bad olines) or someone will trade up to 11/12/13 and get him.
CBs always rise cause teams reach and they’re hard to find—Kirkpatrick will be gone too unless he runs a flat 4.6 at the combine or gets caught with more weed.
Hope there’s a plan B …
DB23 - February 19, 2012 via mobile
that's not necessarily true what you said about CB's
just look at Amukamara last year. A lot of people thought he would go to the Cowboys at #9 or even a little bit higher. He ended up dropping all the way to the giants at #20 (I think it was 20. Somewhere around there lol). but my point is, I have a feeling the Cowboys can get Kirkpatrick if they want to
Nets2410 - February 19, 2012 via Android app
Amukamara fell in the draft for a lot of reasons.
he’s not great in press man coverage & he doesn’t have the ballskills you’d like in a top 10 or 15 pick imo.
Kirpatrick, Jenkins & Claiborne all have a way better skillset for playing CB. i’m not a big fan of knuckleheads that throw there careers away for something they KNOW the ncaa will test for, with that said i think Jenkins is the one that would worry me the most. he has that PacMan mindset on top of all his legal troubles & i think Kirpatrick is a totally different type of person.
DCNation73 - February 19, 2012
honestly no one will know how good any of the draft picks will be until they play in the NFL
DCNation73 - February 19, 2012
But then what are we supposed to do with our time until then?
dmagikwand - February 20, 2012
Too strong...
I totally agree w/ the importance of OL, but PASS RUSH, and SECONDARY are also a need. Best value at one of those 3 and you can’t go wrong.
Shaymer - February 19, 2012 via mobile
What "pothead" would we be taking with the 14th pick?
BrickTop - February 19, 2012 via mobile
MTD got my vote!
I want Decastro,but I am beginning to think he will be gone by #14.Kirkpatrick would be BPA and fill a huge need at #14,so I am leaning his direction.
NVCowboy4Life - February 20, 2012
In the MTD draft DeCastro went 17th
Omar Little - February 20, 2012
no he went 7th
bengals traded up and got him
CaliCowboysFan92 - February 20, 2012
draft blitz has the two best picks but mocking the draft has the most good picks.
4 solid prospects vs 2 IMO. draft tek has a nice rusher in the third but mocking the draft adds Two good CBs and a nice DL prospect. As much as we like Massaquio, I think a Ta’amu is a better value
mocking the draft would be best
Becho - February 19, 2012
I couldn't have said it better myself
DeCastro all day at 14
Stephon Gilmore would be awesome to get in the 2nd round. I also like Chase Minnefield in the 2nd.
But, I also like the Mocking the draft choices Ta’amu, Brooks, and Molk.
I Liked the Draftek picks Konz, Massaquoi, and Fleming.
Draft blitz to me is the best mock. But, I think DeCastro may not be there. and in that case I’m prepared to see Kirkpatrick wearing a star on his helmet, but I think I would prefer Konz if he looks healthy and performs well at the combine.
JannyDones - February 19, 2012
Biggest problem of this team is defense!!!
I say DE or CB followed by OLB before Guard…Interesting that Gil Brandt said the other day when mentioning Decastro at #14 for the Cowboys and his reaction was why would you take a Guard that high. Especailly, when there are a bunch of good interior lineman this year.
Boyzfan94 - February 19, 2012
DeCastro is supposed to be plug and play
I’ve heard him mentioned as the best guard prospect in years, but I might be blinded by the hype.
JannyDones - February 21, 2012
How is DeCastro going to help our horrible secondary
or pass rush. The real problem of this team is defense and they know it….
Jerry is not drafting a Guard ….
Boyzfan94 - February 21, 2012
I think both sides of the ball are pretty sorry
I think DeCastro at guard would be a better choice than
Kirkpatrick.
I just remember watching a team that had no faith in its line to get a first on 4th & short.
Often times they failed to finish the game with the ball and gave it to both Manning & Brady with time to score. I’m hoping DeCastro could make a difference. Especially at the end of a game when you run the football, control the clock, and keep yourself from getting into long yardage.
JannyDones - February 24, 2012
i wouldn't be surprised to see Gilmore go in the 1st round.
Gilmore & kirpatrick are the 2 Cbs i could see improving there stock at the combine
DCNation73 - February 19, 2012
DeCastro, then Gilmore, then Cousins or Massaquoi, then Jones, then Flemming, followed finally by Potter
That’s a draft for the ages.
pfloyd1 - February 19, 2012
I would love to get Ben Jones in the 4th, but I think he'll go somewhere in the 3rd.
wtshaolin - February 19, 2012
Very nice ones, except for Walter.
The other 3 were close, Sorry Longball but you lost out by picking Dennard. Make that Gilmore and I might have picked you. :) Also what draft pick did you pick up with the trade down and who did you get?
MTD won me over with a good looking NT in the 2nd instead of a QB in the 3rd. Draft Blitz has us taking 3 OL again, and IMO that is a waste with the guys we took last year. I would even prefer to pick up a vet C instead of Molk in MTD’s. Choosing instead to get a S/CB/TE/LB, etc there.
Rena - February 19, 2012
I agree with Rena.
Even if by chance the Cowboys are going more to the 4-3 defense, flip the NT for a S and you still have a solid draft. Also the MTD draft appears to be closer to the right values for the players.
I also agree that if the Dennard pick had been Gilmore or Minnefield that would have been the pick.
oldboysfan - February 19, 2012
Yup, not happy with Dennard
Specific - February 19, 2012
Gilmore was gone . . .
He’s one of my favorites, but was taken by the Colts at #34. As I stated in the comment, there was no actual trade in the CMD but to assume moving down 3-4 places would have netted a 3rd/4th round pick which I might consider taking a flyer on a QB . . . maybe B.J. Coleman from Chattanooga?
Long Ball - February 19, 2012
Ok, I misread it then. I saw the small trade down part and was greedy to know what we got. :)
As old said I like Minnefield and a couple others. Just Dennard isn’t a pet cat of mine.
Rena - February 19, 2012
No nose tackle
is a big fail, IMO.
Son of Pete Wright - February 19, 2012
Check out MTD, round 2.
Rena - February 19, 2012
Ben Jones will never last to 4th round...thats just plain wrong
orli - February 19, 2012
I agree he'll be gone, but if not, we'd better jump all over that!
wtshaolin - February 19, 2012
MTD
Starting LCB + Alan Ball replacement
NT so I can slide Rat over
Big G to add to the mix
Nice one.
DB23 - February 19, 2012 via mobile
MTD could've been better...
Both Massaquoi and Saulsberry were both still on the board in Round 5. Carpet bombed corner and O-line with 2 picks, but I wouldve taken Massaquoi as we didn’t address our outside pass rush at all in this mock.
StarloverinWNC - February 19, 2012
Yeah
Mostly because I think we resign Spencer and We sign a vet C. Even with signing a vet C I don’t that possition should be ignored because vet C will only be a band aid not a long term solution. And I just have Molk as a 3rd round player while I had Massaquoi as a 4th round player.
CaliCowboysFan92 - February 20, 2012
Think it was because of the NT pick?
Do you think they stayed away from adding outside pressure because they picked up a NT and can move Rat outside for the outside pressure?
Anthony_21 - February 20, 2012
That's what I'd expect.
Irregardless, we gotta solve our SOLB position. Signing Spencer long term? Roll with Butler & Albright? It’s the lynch pin of our entire offseason.(The 800lb Gorilla)
StarloverinWNC - February 20, 2012
I like MTD’s mock draft the best…Cowboys desperately need a CB with some size. It’s pretty clear Newman has to go and Jenkins at this point can’t be relied on. I’m tired of getting eaten up by the Giants and Eagles WR’s, Calvin Johnson and other similarily big WR’s. Plus, Kirkpatrick played under Saban at ‘Bama so that can’t hurt…I think NT is the biggest need on the D-Line and Ratliff’s skill as a pass rusher is being wasted at that position. Time for him to slide over to DE…As far as filling our OG need, time for Jerry to make a phone call to Nicks down in New Orleans.
thetheRedundant - February 19, 2012 via mobile
I've heard Kirkpatrick could be a good safety
Any chance we draft him to play safety and sign Brandon Carr to play CB?
Nets2410 - February 19, 2012 via Android app
+1
Shaymer - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Id be much more excited about the idea of taking Kirkpatrick to play safety.
Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) - February 19, 2012
As long as he’s sturdy enough to dish out the hits. A 6’3 CB with legs is great OR a safety who can actually cover would be a godsend.
Shaymer - February 19, 2012 via mobile
He's a bit light for safety in my opinion. I'd rather sign Dashon Goldson.
wtshaolin - February 19, 2012
wtshaolin
Dre is 6’3 with a nice frame. He is practically a kid he will naturally fill out over the next couple of years + strength and weight training. Here is a 1 minute video that is full of some awesome tackles by him if you want to see what we are talking about. Ed Reed potential. And he can always play CB if you are correct. It’s a win/win.
dmagikwand - February 19, 2012
Nets that would be ideal. Especially if we can add a nt in the second round.
If MTD’s draft came to fruition you couldn’t ask for much more. Signing Carr would he huge.
One impact player is better than 4 jags. I don’t want to sign 4 jags just to stock the roster. If Jerry can’t get players who will markedly improve the team why sign them ? Just because Dallas has 17 mil or so in cap space doesn’t mean you need to use it just sign jags.
Signing Rat was dumb. Straight up mind blowing dumb. For once I hope Jerry can be smart. Tall order I know but hey I can wish upon a blue star.
football mensa - February 19, 2012
The Rat signing
will cost the Cowboys no more than the 10mil for the 2013-2014 seasons that is guranteed in the contract extension.They actually will save money in 2013 and 2014 in cap space versus his 2012 cap hit of 6.4 mil. They can cut him after 2014 with no cap hit whatsoever.
jevans1729 - February 19, 2012
Stop making all of your "sense"
People have parts to play on this blog – mensa is playing his, and you’re messing it all up :)
Nickthegrip - February 19, 2012
Letting Rat walk to save the cap space and.....
give you the ability to get younger and better with a smart free agent signing is how I would do it. Jerry goes the opposite way. He likes to give thank you contracts.
football mensa - February 19, 2012
Watching Dre Kirkpatrick fly around, hitting, and willing to tackle
I think he’d make a really good FS.
Rohpuri - February 19, 2012 via mobile
After the combine
Don’t think DeCastro or Kirkpatrick will be there. At this time last year, lot of Mockers had Von Miller falling to the Boys. Just want a solid couple drafts in row with value in the top half and a good find or too in bottom half.
Shaymer - February 19, 2012 via mobile
+1
The combine is gonna change a TON of stuff. And for all the guys on this blog who preach that the combine is worthless, watch how much the opinions change on certain players after the combine.
Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) - February 19, 2012
Unfortunately the combine clouds realisim for some scouts and fans.
Some players aren’t measurable types. They’re just ballers. Some like Spencer will impress and be a fail in the pros.
For d linemen the single most important time for me is the 10 yard split. That goes for olb’s as well.
Db’s I want to see the 10 yard split and the 3 cone drills as well as the short shuttle.
D linemen I am keeping an eye on….Brockers , Poe , Fletcher Cox , Ta’amu with Ingram being kind of a hybrid.
Cb ….Dre , Flemming, Hayward, Minnifield, Jayron Hosely , Gilmore
Ol…DeCastro . Konz , Washington from Miami stragely Brandon Brooks wasn’t invited.
Put your money on the table…who will be the fastest player at the combine this year ?
football mensa - February 19, 2012
Does Abilene Christian
or whatever school Johnny Knox and Edmund Gates came from have anybody at the combine this year? If so, put my money on that guy.
Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) - February 19, 2012
Nobody from Abilene Christian received an invie this year.
One.Cool.Customer - February 19, 2012
they got a good RB coming out too
Archie Barberio - February 19, 2012
Raymond Radway's School as well
dmagikwand - February 19, 2012
I'll put my money on Chris Rainey from UF b
Being the fastest guy.
Rohpuri - February 19, 2012 via mobile
It would have been Demps easily. But he is going to try and make the olympic team.
football mensa - February 19, 2012
Mensa -
Does Brocker’s lack of experience worry you, no matter what the combine numbers?
I’ve got no crystal ball, but this seems to be the “Michael Brockers Experience” in a nutshell.
Nickthegrip - February 19, 2012
Nick , a little bit. But he is a baller.
LSU is 21/2 deep at every position on the d line. They rotate more than most teams. He was removed on a lot of passing downs. LSU uses their de’s like olb’s in their rush package. Brockers and Logan would eat up the middle of the line. I think because of his experience level it looked like he was thinking too much. When he would just play he was side line to sideline. John Chavis is the LSU dc. He had Haynesworth and John Henderson at Tennesse. He said Brockers and Logan were better than those two. Take it for what it’s worth.
He is an impressive physical specimen. I am in the camp that he is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential. That being said we have been burned before by potential. No doubt Dallas would be taking a chance by drafting him.
Fletcher Cox has played more. If I was picking a 3-4 de I would go Brockers and Cox.
football mensa - February 19, 2012
Thanks for the rundown, most appreciated.
I’m leery of taking a guy on “potential” That gets us Jason Williams, Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, a 4th round Washington quarterback who’d never played receiver. Sigh.
I’m in the BPA camp, but I want a “proven” BPA if that makes sense.
Nickthegrip - February 19, 2012
Valid concerns no doubt.
football mensa - February 20, 2012
No, they're not valid.
If they’re 4th round picks I don’t care if they’re “potential” guys in the sense that Nick is talking about. Andrew Luck has the POTENTIAL to be one of the best QBs in football, Matt Kalil has the POTENTIAL to be Orlando Pace or Jon Ogden, all these guys have potential. I want players with potential, what’s the point of drafting a guy that can’t get better?
Omar Little - February 20, 2012
I would agree about the 4th round part.
Those guys wouldn’t be in the 4th if they didn’t have serious holes in their game.
Rena - February 20, 2012
most good drafting teams use game tape over combine results & they stay away from late risers
game tape tells way more then combine results. Cam Newton couldn’t hit WRs at the combine against air but still went #1. 40 times & short shuttles could help a some WRs a bit or bench press for OL helps some but it all comes down to what they did on the field over the years.
DCNation73 - February 19, 2012
MTD all the way
That draft, add Myers in FA and, like others have said, a quality CB if Kirkpatrick can play FS and we’ll be in great shape to make a run this season.
DEL1SLE - February 19, 2012
Like draft blitz except kirt cousins inthe 3rd?? Dumb pick with all our needs
We need an immediate starter or solid contributor in the 3rd.
Dynamicduo - February 19, 2012 via mobile
I Iike draft techs better over all, but I wouldn't take konz at 14th. I like decastro if we go O-line
Dynamicduo - February 19, 2012 via mobile
I'd do backflips for MTDs draft
The best NT in the draft, the 2nd best corner, and a guard that can start day 1?
That would be an epic Cowboys haul. Add that to Dez, Lee, and Tron and you have a new young core of Cowboys players emerging.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Hayward in the 4th is good pick too.
I’m still not sold on Kirkpatrick though, I think Jenkins will have way better combine numbers. Hard for me to believe Kirkpatrick is quick enough to play man coverage. I’ll take quickness over height in a cb any time. Either would be an upgrade though. Another problem is CB’s usually need a couple years to play well in the nfl. Even Patterson (lsu) didn’t have a great coverage yr and he’s better than any cb in the draft this yr.
Dynamicduo - February 19, 2012 via mobile
I think those are fair criticisms
For WR/CB I agree the rookie season is a wash. Even great rookie CBs can only manage nickle-back duties their rookie years, the CB/WR game on the edge is just extremely hard to learn.
I also believe that Jenkins is the more talented of the two. Garrett’s “right kind of guy” philosophy means we won’t draft him, though. Agree or disagree with the RKG philosophy, the fact is Garrett isn’t going to draft Jenkins.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 19, 2012
Dyna that's why signing Carr....
and drafting Dre to play fs would be genius. Mensa , even.
football mensa - February 19, 2012
which ever position the coahes like Kirpatrick would be great
i think his value at CB would be way more valuable then FS to most teams but in Dallas both positions are in great need.
but if Kirpatrick can keep up at CB with that size it’d be a huge advantage against the bigger Wrs which most teams have now. Rob Ryan did a great job shutting down Phillys speedsters outside but they ate us alive in the middle where this defense was even weaker. with Lee & Carter those holes will close up a lot but having a ballhawk at FS would totally shut down that offense in Philly.
DCNation73 - February 19, 2012
Kirpatrick is suspose to have both speed & height which makes him talented prospect.
i strongly disagree with P.Peterson being way better then then any Cb in this years draft. talent wise i think Claiborne is way better in coverage & if it wasnt for Petersons great return skills he would’ve dropped outside of the top 10. i wouldn’t be shocked to see both Kirpatrick & Jenkins being better in coverage day 1 over Peterson.
DCNation73 - February 19, 2012
Peterson and Claiborne played on the same team, Peterson was the number 1 cb. That's a fact
It doesn’t get much easier to compare 2 guys than that. Peterson was and is better. The coaches said so, his numbers said so.
Dynamicduo - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Claiborne is a natural at cb. He is smooth and has superb reaction quickness.
Peterson has mega talent. The stuff you can’t buy or teach. Peterson will be a great cb. He is strong and has god ball awareness. He needs more development in the pro game. By the end of the season he was coming on strong.
Dre isn’t as good as Peterson. Peterson is stronger and can jam better than Dre. Dre’s game is very much like a fs plays. In Dallas he could play either and it would be a huge upgrade. I have no problem taking Dre.
football mensa - February 19, 2012
Jenkins plays so small if you watch him. I see not much desire to tackle and he is an ankle tackler when he decides to
I’m sure his quickness numbers at the combine will be great. Strength exercises will stink. I think he has reach his ceiling on potential. No frame to put on muscle, cant get any taller, won’t get any faster.
I would take Dre or Gilmore before him.
dmagikwand - February 19, 2012
+1
if that happened we both would be doing backflips & its been 20 years since i done one. i’m a huge fan of the Ta’amu pick & sliding Ratliff over. Brent being a 7th round pick would give them depth at the position & a great rotation guy a NT. the Guard from Miami is a steal in the 3rd & like BED said thats 3 instant starters day 1.
Lissemore DE- Ta’amu or Brent NT – Ratliff DE would be a solid DL that can get after the QB & with that big NT plus explosive DEs could even improve stopping the run.
all the pick after the 3rd aren’t that important bc you never know who could fall. & those guys are a year away from being contributors in most cases
DCNation73 - February 19, 2012
I'm beginning to fall in love with Ta'amu
The more I’ve read, watched, and thought about this guy the more sure I am he could be a big part of rebuilding our defense.
I decided to get a fanpost going here to discuss him: http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2012/2/19/2809942/alameda-taamu-dallas-top-2nd-round-target
Blue Eyed Devil - February 19, 2012
Blue most believe he is more of a 1 gap player anyway. That would fit in with being versatile with our defensive fronts.
He would be nice to have as a 4-3 dt as well as a nt. Looks like maybe Dallas wants scheme versatility. Which would mean drafting fewer linebackers which I am all for though we would have to draft one to replace Spencer.
football mensa - February 19, 2012
The Cowboys don't have linebackers
The modern 3-4 isn’t a 3-4. The modern 3-4 is actually a 5-2. It’s a scheme with 2 DEs, 3 DTs, and 2 linebackers.
You need more linebackers to play a 4-3 and the Cowboys don’t have them. All they have is Sean Lee right now.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 19, 2012
Then Carter better work out either way.
Or it will be a long road to hoe.
football mensa - February 19, 2012
What about Victor Butler?
We spent a good pick on this guy, why is he getting pushed to the back of the bus already? How many snaps has he played? Do we even know yet what all he can bring to the table?
StarloverinWNC - February 20, 2012
With Jerry not talking a/b a bk/up too much these days and the lackluster crop of bk/up FA’s available. I wouldn’t be surprised to see O-line addressed w/ the 1st pick. If we can’t keep Romo from taking a dive like he did 2 yrs ago and be confident enough of letting McGee take the reigns in a disaster, then this is our only option and not a bad one either. DeCastro or Kontz would be good upgrades to our o-line. I know all the defense minded people on here are not gonna hate this post, but I got a feeling Rob’s gonna get alot of picks this draft. Also, the defense had to learn this new defense on the fly last yr w/ no OTA’s and I’m sure Rob had to play w/ some of Wade’s leftovers, that he’ll never admit, but wasn’t to thrilled about working with. I would imagine Jerry’s gonna let him fish a little in FA pool also.
TDTA1181 - February 19, 2012
wow has Dennard stock fall so low?
Lately he have been push towards the end of the first round..
I thought this guy was better than prince? One bad game can kill a db stock that bad?
lostar2009 - February 19, 2012 via mobile
This is going to take patience.
It’s clear we could land 2-3 great first year contributors in this draft. Overall it’s a fairly deep draft. But we know we need more than that. If you get your center, you miss out on a top flight corner, or guard. If you get your guard you’re risking getting that impact corner. In none of these scenarios do we really land our pass rusher. Ta’amu allows us to play perhaps Rat or Lissemore at DE, but we’re missing out on any of the blue chip OLB’s. We simply have more needs than picks.
Hopefully we land someone in FA that takes some of the pressure off. Center in FA seems to alleviate some of the need factor. A safety that could shore up the middle of the secondary would help too. Any way you cut it this team needs someone that can collapse the pocket and get to the QB. Bruce Carter playing sideline to sideline like his pedigree would allow our SOLB to take more pass rush chances.
I chose MTD, but its only a good start. It doesn’t put us over the top.
White Wolf - February 19, 2012
I'll second
I like this strategy best. I’d rather go with an experienced guy at C and S. Give me young guys for CB, pass rush, and G. Wouldn’t be surprised at all to see our first pick be a pass rusher as they wanted last year.
Silverblue - February 19, 2012
5'8'' Dennard?
I’ve heard some people say this guy Bob Sander"s short. I’m not saying he’s not a good corner at all, but I think the Giants got Nebraska’s best corner last yr. This guy got embarassed in there bowl game w/ the BIG WR the Gamecocks had, his name has slipped my mind…Jefferies???, the Giants Nicks and Cruz could possibly make him look worse than the Senior Bowl showing he put on.
TDTA1181 - February 19, 2012
Lot's of people predict Dennard will play safety.
football mensa - February 19, 2012
I'll let another team have the Dennard project
Small and slow is a bad combination in the NFL. Reminds me of Ahmad Black from last year.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 19, 2012
Mocking the Draft has a great Cowboys draft
It looks like 3 immediate starters, a high-upside CB and DE and a potential starting C down the line. Awesome.
DerUbermensch - February 19, 2012
Center/Guard combo
Would you be happier with (free agency/draft):
Nicks/Konz or Myers/DeCastro
peachygbc_1 - February 19, 2012
Myers/DeCastro
1)Cheaper to pay Myers vs Nicks
2)Myers will have fewer growing pains @ Center vs a Rookie
3)DeCastro is a top 10 prospect
4)Konz has injury questions
StarloverinWNC - February 19, 2012
Myers/DeCastro
There is talent in the Arkin, Nagy, Kowalski, Costa group. They can fill in the final o-line spot, and one can step in for Myers after 3 years.
jazzbo251 - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Expand that a little
Would you rather have?
Nicks/Stoutt/Konz/Minnefield Or
Myers/Carr/DeCastro/Curry
Ceasaleo - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Stoutt?
or Routt?
Myers/Carr/DeCastro/Curry sounds pretty decent.
CB’s in their rookie year cannot be counted on to be elite.
StarloverinWNC - February 19, 2012
my bad
Meant Routt, I put 1st name and last name together to make one.
Ceasaleo - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Probably the second...
Fixes quite a few players and gives them some upside later on.
Omar Little - February 19, 2012
Draftek has us trading down, but I don't see what we received for that.
Also, I’ve seen it suggested that Dallas will get a compensatory pick in the 4th.
jazzbo251 - February 19, 2012
They haven't announced the comp picks yet. And Longball said above that it didn't allow for trade downs.
But he pretended we did. So we didn’t get a pick, but it would have been a 3rd.
Rena - February 19, 2012
man, if I could push a button and lock in that mockingthedraft.com group
I would. I love every single pick, and it does a tremendous job of addressing our needs. Add in a Carl Nicks signing, and I’m pumped for August.
clark - February 19, 2012
Jeez......i hate crap-shoots so I say this......
Although MTD actually ADDRESSES our biggest needs, it’s STILL A CRAP-SHOOT!!! Jerrah needs to grow a BRAIN real quick and start to realize that he can FIX THIS TEAM (ANEMIC Pash Rush, ANEMIC Run Defense, and ANEMIC Secondary) with a couple of good FA signings and then drafting wisely for DEPTH at key positions so we quit repeating 2011 (and the past 16yrs).
FIRST AND FOREMOST, WE NEED A FREAKIN MAMMOTH NOSE TACKLE to stop the middle runs, 3rd&short, and goal-line runs (by even freakin Tom Brady of all people). Just as important, a mammoth NT will push the freakin pocket back so QBs like Eli, Vick, Brady, Brees, Rogers, etc. can NOT simply step UP into the pocket to AVOID WARE and SPENCE’S OUTSIDE SPEED RUSH!!! My GOD…..the Boys would actually get MORE sacks, strips, fumbles by our basic Pash Rush with an elite and mammoth NT playing 2-gap. Heck, moving RAT to a DE spot would generate an even more fierce Pass Rush especially if we could draft ANOTHER Pass Rushing DE in this year’s NFL DRAFT!!!! Imagine NO MORE Brandon Jacobs or Ahmad Bradshaw (among many other NFL RBs) gnashing up-the-middle draws for 5-6yds on 1st down and/or busting long runs or TDs after bouncing it outside. And imagine our ANEMIC secondary now being able to make BIG PLAYS because opposing QBs would be forced to throw it alot quicker due to an increased Pass Rush that can now produced fumbles, strips, and SACKS!!!!!
So Jerrah….go and sign Pro-bowler, NT, Paul Soliai, who’s 6’4" and 355lbs. NT Soliai has made the Dolphin’s 3-4 Defense feared and very very tough. You don’t believe an elite NT is that important, look at the respect (and envy ) projected by the Ravens and Steelers and Patriots Defenses over the past 10 years. The Dolphins won’t franchise Soliai because they did it last year and it would be too cost prohibitive to do it again. Signing NT Paul Soliai would be comparable to trading for Charles Haley in 1992!!!! HE’S THE MISSING PIECE FOR YOUR ANEMIC DEFENSE.
SECONDLY, QUIT WASTING TONY ROMO BEST YEARS!!!
Item#1: If you can’t sign a FREE AGENT stud like Carl Nicks (who’ll likely be franchised anyway), then DRAFT a stud OL in this year’s draft at Pick #14 or NLT the 2nd RD. In my opinion, you should DRAFT the BEST AVAILABLE OFFENSIVE TACKLE (although I completely understand the arguments for drafting stud OG DeCastro or stud OC Peter Konz or Ben Jones) due to the extreme FA cost for a stud OT (and the criticality of having OT Doug Free’s replacement on the roster and possibly playing OG for awhile)!!!!
Item#2: DRAFT another stud RB in this draft who could be the MAIN GUY if Demarco Murray goes down again for any extended period of time. My gut tells me that RB Terrance Ganaway (6’1" & 241lbs) would be the perfect match for your team. He was the stud RB behind the Heisman Winner (RGIII) and, more importantly, Terrance Ganaway scored an AMAZING 21 TDs and ran for 1547 yards!!!! You’d have your much younger version of Giant’s Ahmad Bradshaw (Demarco Murray) and Brandon Jacobs (Terrance Ganaway) . Jeez…just imagine the impact on Tony Romo’s play-action passes results!!!
THIRDLY, TRY AND STEAL MATT FLYNN! He’s 5yrs younger than Romo and could be his eventual replacement IF Romo gets hurt again or is ineffective for whatever reasons.
Summary:
Free Agency: Sign NT Paul Soliai (this will be your biggest Splash since 1992) and other quality backups (if money permits obviously).
NFL Draft: Get best available STUD at Pick#14. My gut tells me to draft the best OT (or OG/Center) if your draft board dictates it. If Doug Free or this draft pick can play OG, the other guy can go to Right Tackle while Tyron Smith goes to Left Tackle. If current Center Costa or his backup Kolwaski have dramatically improved their strength and power during the offseason with Strength Coach( Mike Woicik), our poor play at Center during 2011 may be mitigated somewhat.
Free Agent and or Draft your remaining needs: Find another good stud FB to develop behind FB Fiammetta. We can NOT under any circumstances (if at possible) afford to lose both Demarco and/or Fiametta for any extended period of time without having a potential starting quality backup on our 2012 Roster. If you draft Terrance Ganaway, you’ll only need to sign or draft for depth at the FB position. Everyone is talking about CBs but we have CB Mario Butler and opportunity in Rd 2 to draft a quality CB to compete with Mario for a starting or Nickel CB position. Good luck
Pacerman - February 19, 2012
Item 2. I would prefer to leave RB alone
We’ve still got Felix and Tanner looked good in the pre-season last year, not alot in regular season. He may just be a guy that needs some reps.
dmagikwand - February 19, 2012
Uh we will NEVER get Flynn.
Sign Nicks , Soliai and Flynn ? That is the stuff of hemp induced dreams. We should go a head and trade a 7th for Adrain Peterson.
I love your enthusiasm Pacer but you have to be realistic. You have to strategize within your cap restraints.
I am on board with needing a huge nt. I have have championed that cause ad nausem. I would love to have Nicks too. Nicks prevents you from having to draft guard so early. So think realhard about what is the biggest need vs the money available to spend. If I had my druthers I would sign Nicks. He protects the teams most importatn assest.
If that doesn’t work out what is the next biggest need ? Secondary. No Nicks go after Carr. He immediately upgrades the cb position. Add Dre move him to fs and the secondary is revamped in two moves but only costing one draft pick.
If neither of those two come to fruition then target Soliai. He immediately upgrades the nt position. He allows rat to slide out to de. That would remove Poe or Ta’amu from the need position. Then you can have the option of trading down if both DeCastro and Dre are gone. I wouldn’t trade down if we didn’t recieve a second rounder.
If Butler could have adequately manned Newman’s postion you would have seen him playing.
Go back and look at your post and then think it through logically and realistically and see what changes you would make.
football mensa - February 19, 2012
To all the people that are begging for Nicks,I read that Brees is trying to get a "Friendly" contract done quickly so they can resign Nicks.
Sounds like Brees is real interested in keeping Nicks in N.O. and in front of him.
NVCowboy4Life - February 20, 2012
Open mouth insert foot!!! Now I am reading on the same site that said Brees was trying to get his contract done quickly,that,it is going very slow.
So please ignore my previous comment as it is all still very much a possibility Nicks can hit the market. Sorry Guys.
NVCowboy4Life - February 20, 2012
Is he still signing a team friendly deal for Nicks?
I mean that’s what matters, really.
Omar Little - February 20, 2012
really like the NFL draft blitz one.
Mr. Abe Froman - February 19, 2012
I Went With Walterfootball
But, that is IF they use F/A to bring in a PROVEN Center like Nick Hardiwick or Chris Myers.With 20 milion to spend they SHOULD be able to get one of them AND add either Mario Williams or Mincey from the Jags to the Defense.
Howleyesque - February 19, 2012
i don't want mario.
give me nicks and carr in FA
Mr. Abe Froman - February 19, 2012
I reallly like Carr, but so does KC and they have a ton of money to resign him
dmagikwand - February 19, 2012
I also like the NFL draft blitz. I agree with Tide. Corner is deep this year and everyone is talking about either Jenkins or Kirkpatrick but I don’t think Garrett would ever take either guy unless they took a dramatic fall in the draft and the contract; (Risk vs. Reward) matched up. I also do not think that they fall off from those two corners to the rest of the CB field is as great as the fall off from Decastro. I say fix the o-line and try to make at least one side of the football dominant. We have a chance to possibly do that on the offensive side of the ball this offseason. Realistically we can probably get the defense to not be a liability but it will not be the strength of our team next year even with good FA pick ups and a good draft. Also you have to look at impact and Decastro could step in day one and have an impact. If you look at last years CBs the best one in the draft was Peterson for Arizona and he made his impact on special teams not nescessarily as a top defender.(I dont think Dre or Janoris are as good as he is) I would rather see imediate results from a top-15 pick and develop a 2nd round CB to replace Newman.
diveandcatch22 - February 19, 2012
I think Mocking The Draft is the best one
However, if Ta’amu is the BPA at 45, I’d like to trade down and pick up an extra pick. I think Ta’amu that high is a bit of a reach.
Also, that Vanderbilt CB is not a good fit for Dallas, as he’s more of a cover 2 guy instead of a press coverage/man to man guy. There has to be someone better at that pick.
Rohpuri - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Regardless, we really need 2 picks for that d-backfield this draft or were gonna be up shit creek next year w/out a paddle.
StarloverinWNC - February 19, 2012
Is it just me...
or does anyone think that the commentary from RealGM Sports is totally off-base. While I am sure it is possible that Irvin or Newton used some drugs in college, I don’t recall either one having drug flags coming into the NFL. Does anyone else recall. I think the mocker is just a Cowboy/JJ hater.
BVandy - February 19, 2012
To reference something that happened 20 years ago
is also indicative of an attitude. Since then, no players with flags, including the now infamous pass on Randy Moss for the same sort of issues.
dunkman - February 19, 2012
COMPLETELY off subject
But I’ve been touting that Terrel Thomas is a stud. Sounds like he’s trying to stay w/ the Giants (can’t blame him).
Look at what Justin Tuck said about him…
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/giants/post/_/id/12745/terrell-thomas-has-been-in-talks-with-giants
Tyrone Jenkins - February 19, 2012
Ooofah
DrafTek’s 3rd rounds on are awesome but NFLDraftBlitz’s first two picks are great.
Omar Little - February 19, 2012
We all know the first round picks but what about the later rounds?
Second round targets look like:
Mark Barron
Stephen Gilmore
Alonzo Dennard
Alameda Ta’amu
Jared Crick
Chase Minnifield
Brandon Boykin
Donatari Poe
Jerel Worthy
Kelechi Osemele
Andrew Datko
Cordy Glenn
Mike Adams
Third rounders look like:
Tank Carder
Jonathan Massaquoi
Bruce Irvin
Andre Branch
Josh Norman
Kendall Reyes
Nate Potter
Brandon Washington
4th-5th round prospects:
Jamel Flemming
Shaun Prater
Leonard Johnson
Cyrus Gray
LaMichael James
Brandon Weeden
Michael Brewster
Ben Jones
6th-7th Round Prospects
Ryan Broyles
Markus Zusevics
Kellen Moore
Nick Toon
Marvin McNutt
Donta Paige-Moss
Brett Roy
Omar Little - February 19, 2012
I love the 2nd round
I always love the 2nd round. I think teams are built by their 2nd round picks (with Anthony Fasano and Martellus Bennet the only 2nd round picks from 2006-2009 it explains why our team is so weak).
We are guaranteed to have a great player sitting there that will upgrade the D-line, guard, or cornerback when we come on the clock. As long as the Cowboys don’t pull a “Bruce Carter” and try to get too cute they are guaranteed to find a solid starter at a position of need for this team.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 19, 2012
Sheesh
Did Bruce Carter take a dump on your lawn or something? I mean he was a guy they viewed as a first round talent, but was injured…so Mark Barron right now, everyone looked at him as a first but with a sports hernia he likely won’t be able to play the first few weeks. As a safety you probably don’t want a guy just learning the playbook playing safety. Would that make him a bad pick? Please, the team also isn’t weak. Won the division two years ago, and were one game away from winning the division this year. They have weaknesses, primarily along the OL, that prevent them from being as good as the Saints, Steelers, Pats, or Packers but I think those weaknesses are being addressed.
I also hate these generalizations like “built by 2nd round picks,” yeah you need to hit on your 2nd round picks…you also need to hit on a lot more 1st round picks, several 3rd round picks, and a few 4th-7th. There’s a reason why guys are 2nd round picks though, if they didn’t have any flaws they’d be first round picks. I remember wanting Ijalana, Akeem Ayers, Ras-I Dowling, Rahim Moore, and several others last year…but there was a reason why those guys went in the 2nd round not the first. I agree there’s lots to like about some of the prospects available in the 2nd round, but the only guys that I’d think would be 2nd rounders in a strong draft would be Gilmore, Osemele, Poe, Barron, Dennard, and Glenn. I also worry about fallers too, if everyone sours on a guy really quickly sometimes there’s a reason for that. The first round, is still where the biggest improvement will come…I’d caution against falling in love with pet cats.
Omar Little - February 19, 2012
Mark Barron will be recovered before draft time.
He won’t miss any time during OTA’s, TC, much less games.
Rena - February 20, 2012
Really?
I’ve read sports hernias can be pretty rough and keep a guy out for quite sometime. He won’t workout though still, right?
Omar Little - February 20, 2012
4-6 weeks, 8 weeks max is what all the new agencies are reporting.
He will be able to work out before the draft.
Rena - February 20, 2012
If Poe fell through the first round and we got him
in addition to getting Kirkpatrick in the first, I would run up and down my block howling and hive fiving complete strangers…….
Hopefully we address the line in free agency Nicks and Saturday.
dmagikwand - February 19, 2012
I mean "high fiving" . I guess I was too excited by my own post
dmagikwand - February 20, 2012
Gimme the following: (Caveat - I don't think this is the realistic ranking of the prospects)
2nd Rd
Cordy Glenn – Versatility on the OL, can play G or RT. If we take DeCastro #14 this would change to CB/S or DE/DT.(Barron,Gilmore, Poe/Ta’amu/Crick(less so),
3rd Rd
Bruce Irvin or Jonathan Massaquoi – Our raw/new SOLB project pass-rushers. We dont need Spencer.
4th Rd
Flemming or Ben Jones(he wont last thru the 3rd though) depending on who we took at #14.
6th/7th Broyles/Paige-Moss
I would love to be able to draft for the Boys this year. I think we’ll have great options through the first 4 rounds.
StarloverinWNC - February 21, 2012
I love Ronnell Lewis but in the 3rd round would be great instead of the 2nd
bigtime hitter and fast. Big for inside backer but a bit light maybe for SOLB 6’ 2" 244 lbs. strong and fast. He played 8 man football in highschool before OU. He would be a hell of a nickel linebacker if nothing else.
dmagikwand - February 19, 2012
*Sigh*....I haven't been over to the mothership in about a week. Guess I'll go see what dull
fluff they are peddling this week.
dmagikwand - February 19, 2012
Yeeeaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
my mock is leading! I am very proud of myself right now.
CaliCowboysFan92 - February 20, 2012
I had to go with Draftek
However I don’t see the cowboys taking Dennard, even in the second round. I see Trumaine Johnson still being avavailable and being a better pick. He won’t be expected to start right away from the second round and will need time to get used to playing against better competition than he ever faced at Montana.
ProBowlFactory - February 20, 2012
draft picks
I like the decastro in the first it helps the defence if we have the best O-line. I like mark barron probably will have to move up to get him and if we have a shot at konz in the second do we take him if we get decastro in the first ? I would I mean our Defence was not real bad if we could keep them off the field by moving the ball and pick up five good free agents. and a steel in the third round I mean really we get a CB a D-end ILB,OLB, NT. WE WOULD IMPROVE.
Joeboyup - February 20, 2012
Have to take DeCastro if he's there at 14
Can’t pass up a top ten talent at 14 that is as clean and safe as this kid within an immediate need area no less
Terry - February 20, 2012
Yep.
Gotta keep Romo safe and gotta give DeMarco and Felix holes.
Omar Little - February 20, 2012
First time I didn't go with Drafttek -- Mocking the Draft
has the size and speed I need on D, plus getting that quality guard from Miami….
I do like Drafttek’s, and am intrigued by taking another player out of Troy
AustonianAggie - February 20, 2012
Branch and Perry
For argument’s sake if the Cowboys fail to add a FA pass rusher all of the focus here has been on Ingram and Upshaw, and then on players expected to go much later than 14 such as Vinny Curry.
Two names I’ll have a close eye on as potential olb targets that would put a hand on the ground in the nickel are Andre Branch of Clemson and Nick Perry of USC. Neither has received much discussion here and I expect both to participate in linebacker drills at the combine and to have pretty impressive measureables. Most importantly both were also productive on Saturdays in major conferences. I just have a feeling both get into the conversation at 14 if a pass rusher is the call. I like em both, and maybe more than I like either Ingram or Upshaw if getting to NFL QB’s in the name of the game.
Linebacker22 - February 20, 2012 via mobile
Perry should be a 1st round pick, easily. Branch is a name I have only heard a few times, but he was named as being impressive.
Rena - February 20, 2012
Perry could be our pick
but for him, he needs a sub 7 3 Cone drill to show he’s fast enough, and a sub 4.4 20 yard shuttle to show he can change direction. They say he’s a speed rusher, well he needs to prove it
AustonianAggie - February 20, 2012
He could definately be one of those 'risers'...
or someone that pushes an elite talent to us @ #14.
StarloverinWNC - February 20, 2012
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Blogging The Boys to post a comment.